Fun Fact o’ the Day

Fun Fact of the Day: The Manchineel tree, native to Florida is considered the most poisonous tree in the world. It causes painful blisters if you stand under it during rain, blinds you if the smoke from its burned wood touches your eyes, can poison water with its leaves and will cause death if you eat its fruits.

Quote of the Day

We’re so terrified of death in Western culture that we have to make up a myth of an afterlife. I think there’s something to be said for living your life very mindful of the fact that you’re going to die because I think you carry yourself differently. It doesn’t have to be this big, negative bummer.
Steve Earle

To write or not to write?

I wasn’t sure if I was going to get a post in this week or not. I received some terrible news yesterday. My cousin shot himself. It has been a sad day for the family and for a lot of my friends. He was an amazing person. I just wish he knew how much he was loved. He spent 6 years in the Army and served 2 tours in Afghanistan. It is a sad thing that so many of our troops have to deal with what he went through. He was the type of person that would give you the last penny in his pocket, just to see you smile.

Loosing someone makes you realize how insignificant you really are. It doesn’t matter how much of a jackass you are, you will always have an impact on someone else’s life. It also makes you see how short life really is and you shouldn’t hide out in the shadows and watch life pass you by. You have to grab life by the balls and make the most of everyday. That is why I write. It helps to get those emotions that are bottled up, out. With the loss of my cousin, I am more determined to pursue my calling in life as a writer. For this, he has my eternal gratitude. 

I know the road I will walk will be a long and lonely one, but I am prepared to make that sacrifice. We are born into this world alone and we will die alone. Hopefully, we will leave an impression on people that they will forever take with them. 

R.I.P Sgt Brian Kohr. You will be missed and forever be in the hearts of many.